Will Work For Toys: California Sailor Hangs Lights For Charity

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Tyler Drake recently went on a shopping spree at a San Diego-area Toys "R" Us. With his young sisters by his side, Drake purchased dozens of toys for all age groups.

Drake isn't personally wealthy though. The 25-year-old is a member of the U.S. Navy and lives off a military salary. But, he had a goal this Christmas and it was to give as many toys as possible to Toys for Tots.

So, how did the sailor collect enough money to buy the toys? For the past two months, Drake has hung Christmas lights on homes throughout San Diego County for a small fee.

"I was excited to try this idea out this Christmas," said Drake, who is stationed in Coronado. "I had no clue that I would have been able to have donated as much as I did."

Drake has decorated more than 25 homes, donating roughly 150 hours of his time. From that work, he's collected $3,000 to purchase the toys for the foundation.

"It’s incredible how some little idea of hanging lights could fund so much," Drake said. "I didn’t think I would even make that big of a difference, but I have had so many likes and blessings on Facebook, it feels incredible."

Drake said he thought of the idea after learning about Toys for Tots, a foundation operated by the U.S. Marines that collects and distributes brand new toys for children less fortunate.

"I have read stories of parents unable to give gifts to their children due to bills or other unexpected circumstances," said Drake, who is from Santa Clarita. "For some families, Toys for Tots would be their only presents for the holidays. These were sad to read about and I wanted to help make a difference and donate toys to these families."

As Christmas nears, Drake doesn't plan to stop this year. He said he'll make it an annual tradition to buy toys for the foundation by hanging Christmas lights.

"I want to do this again next year but with more help from my command so I can increase the amount raised," Drake said. "I would like to see how far this idea can go. I also hope others might do something similar in their hometown."

--Photo courtesy of Tyler Drake